Services

The 2/29 Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in Victoria in 1940 for service in the Second World War. They participated in the Malayan Campaign, fighting delaying actions around Bakri and Muar, eventually withdrawing to Singapore to fight in the defence (February 1942). The Battalion were captured when the garrison capitulated and they spent the duration of the war as prisoners, being moved around different camps including the infamous Changi prison. 582 members of the 2/29 AIB were killed in action or died in captivity, with 143 wounded in action.

This Service is held on the closest Sunday to 17 January as the anniversary of their first action.

www.229battalion.org.au

The 2/22 AIB was raised in July 1940 and initially headquartered at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. Arriving in Rabaul (New Britain) on 26 April 1941 they combined with the local New Guinea Volunteer Rifles, a coastal defence battery, an anti-aircraft battery and elements of 2/10 Field Ambulance and 17 Anti-tank Battery to form Lark Force. The “Bird Forces” were deployed to protect vulnerable coastal areas and airbases, with Lark Force operating at the Lakunai and Vunakanau airbases.

After Japanese bombing of New Britain in January 1942 destroyed most of their assets, Lark Force withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. Overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese troops and unprepared for an ordered retreat, Lark Force disintegrated and attempted to escape.

Approximately 160 Australians captured were massacred at Tol Plantation and another 836 were interned as prisoners, some of whom were killed in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship.

The Shrine Monthly Remembrance Service honours Victorian servicemen and women from all branches of the Armed Forces. In particular, we remember Victorians who served during the First and Second World Wars, who once would have attended their annual Pilgrimage in this month, but due to the passage of time are no longer able to.

In World War I, 89,000 Victorians served overseas. 19,000 made the supreme sacrifice.
In World War II, 297,000 Victorians served overseas. 10,900 made the supreme sacrifice.

We will remember them.

Australia Day has evolved from a small commemorative New South Wales holiday into a major national celebration. Australia Day is the most inclusive celebration of a national day in Australia, expressing the national diversity which has become such an important part of the Australian national character. Australia Day celebrates diversity and tolerance in Australian society. It is commemorated on this day each year with a 21-gun salute fired from the Shrine's Lower Forecourt by the Royal Australian Artillery. 

Note: The salute is extremely loud and it is recommended that visitors wth small children or pets maintain an appropriate distance from the guns.

This service is held on the Sunday closest to Australia Day.